Jamaica Music Institute (JaMIN) Studio Limited’s academy in Trench Town got a major financial boost with a US$10,000 donation from businessman Josef Bogdanovich.

David Green, managing director of JaMIN Studio, told the Jamaica Observer that the funds will go toward training its first nine students. They will be tutored by Stephen Stewart, a stalwart musician and principal at the school.

The courses in are scheduled to start in November.

According to Green, the donation “builds on Trench Town’s long-standing musical heritage as the mecca and makers of reggae music, while creating practical pathways into the creative industry. The longer-term vision is to strengthen Trench Town’s position as a centre for reggae and music production.”

Officially launched in 2012, the JaMIN Studio has been used by leading musicians such as saxophonist Dean Fraser, a native of Trench Town. Recently, singer Noel Ellis recorded his album, My Father’s Art, there.

Ellis is the son of reggae legend Alton Ellis, who was also from Trench Town.

Bogdanovich has been involved in Jamaican music through his Downsound Entertainment since the 1990s. Initially, he worked with acts like Lukie D and Scare Dem Crew before producing songs by Fantan Mojah and Nanko. He is CEO of Summerfest Productions Limited, promoters of Reggae Sumfest.

— Howard Campbell